Westmont KinderCare consolidates with Woodridge location

WESTMONT – While approaching its final day this Friday, the Westmont KinderCare is celebrating its past years.

The center, 251 W. 63rd St., hosted a goodbye, reunion and moving party all wrapped in one last weekend for staff, parents, and families, according to the center's director, Balqees Hamden. The Westmont daycare is consolidating with its Woodridge location.

Saturday's celebration included inflatables for the kids, a barbecue, face painter, snow cones and more.

Hamden, who has been with KinderCare for almost 16 years, said it's as if they're leaving their family, but it will only make her team stronger.

Once the center is closed, most families are moving to the Woodridge South KinderCare, at 7450 N. Woodward Ave., along with the majority of the Westmont teachers.

Hamden said they had a well-run, secure facility.

"It [KinderCare] is like Disneyland for me," Hamden said. "It's not a job, it's an absolute joy and it's been a wonderful journey."